LEGEND

The very acoustic & lively Legend album is really refined. Actually, progressive folk is an appropriate classification, but there is the presence of miscellaneous symphonic string mini- arrangements that give an absolute grandeur to the delightful music. The many pastoral flute arrangements may remind a less eccentric Jethro Tull. The sustained & elaborated drums and bass will please those who look for substantial and well nourished compositions. As keyboards, there are mostly only a slightly dirty floating organ and a very discreet piano. The overall sound is very warm and natural: some elegance, grace and peacefulness emanates from the ensemble despite the loaded character of the tracks. I find that the sound & style really have similitudes with the Quebecois progressive rock, comparable to the major artists of the 70's. The lead vocals have slightly the sound of the Morse Code singer. The overall music is slightly medieval, especially when there is a gentle flute playing. In my opinion, the possibility to give this record 5 stars is cancelled by the lengthy & psychedelic "Groove inside" track, an esoteric invocation-like tam-tam music: I have RARELY seen a flop like this beside other irreproachable tracks! Unfortunately, due to the 16 minutes duration of the bad track, I must remove 1 big star!